It's during bleak weather weeks like these when it's best to just close your eyes and dream of summer, and the big event of the season, Summerfest. Already five headliners for the Marcus Amphitheater have been announced, and local band battles, where winners can get a slot at the Big Gig, are heating up.

The Battle for Catalano tournament has been going on since Jan. 13, with three bands competing nearly every Sunday at Club Charlie's, 320 E. Menomonee St. Last year's inaugural battle had 18 bands fighting for a gig at Ayre in the Square, the outdoor music event at Catalano Square, with spirited Celtic punk group Whiskey of the Damned walking away the winner. This year, there are 27 combatants. One act will win not only the Summerfest slot, but also a six-hour recording session with National Recording and a photo shoot with photographer Dawn Bloomfield. | March 7, 2013»Read Full Article